Nash hopeful of playoff return

The Sports Xchange

The SportsXchange•April 18, 2013

Los Angeles Lakers point guard Steve Nash, who missed his eighth consecutive game Wednesday with hamstring and hip issues, is hopeful of returning for the playoffs. Nash has increased his workload, and went through a pre-game workout with assistant coaches Wednesday. Lakers coach Mike D'Antoni said Nash is closing in on a return. "He's close," D'Antoni said. "He looked pretty good today. That's without me talking to him, but I watched him. You can see his mood. He's happier. I can read him. But we're a ways away. Let's try to get into the playoffs first. Then we'll figure him out."